Did You Know? | Rose garden a calm, celebrated oasis

Sunday

Jul 21, 2013 at 12:01 AMJul 21, 2013 at 10:08 AM

The Park of Roses, located within Whetstone Park in Clintonville, is one of the largest municipal rose gardens in the United States.

The Park of Roses, located within Whetstone Park in Clintonville, is one of the largest municipal rose gardens in the United States.Funded by the city of Columbus and advised by the Columbus Rose Commission, work on the park began in spring 1952.

In fall of that year and the following spring, more than 20,000 rose plants were put into the ground.The park celebrated its opening day on June 6, 1953, and a formal dedication ceremony was held later that year in September.

At the invitation of then-Mayor James A. Rhodes and Columbus City Council, the American Rose Society moved its headquarters from Harrisburg, Pa., to a facility within the new park in 1954. The society’s headquarters remained in Columbus until 1974.

Today, the 13-acre garden features more than 11,500 rose plants, with more than 400 varieties.

There also are herb and perennial gardens. The fountains, trellises, walking paths and benches make the park a favorite of photographers and those who just want to relax or take a walk. The Park of Roses is also a favorite wedding venue, and its summer concert series brings music lovers out on Sundays.The park has been recognized by rose growers for the quality of the gardens.

It was named one of America’s Top 10 public rose gardens by the All-American Rose Society and has been inducted into the Great Rosarians of the World’s Rose Garden of Excellence Hall of Fame.